Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting milestones in your life. If you’re a pet lover, including your furry friend in the celebration can make it even more special. For couples in Carroll County, Maryland it’s entirely possible to host a dream wedding where pets play a starring role. But, as you can imagine, pulling off a pet friendly wedding requires a bit of extra planning. Here are five tips and tricks to ensure that both you and your pet enjoy your big day without a hitch.
1. Choose A Pet-Friendly Venue
Not all wedding venues are pet-friendly, so your first step is to find one that welcomes your four-legged family members. Fortunately, Carroll County offers a variety of beautiful, pet-accommodating locations. From outdoor farms and scenic wineries to rustic barns, there are many picturesque settings where pets are welcome. For example, Antrim 1844 in nearby Taneytown offers sprawling outdoor spaces perfect for pets to roam, while keeping the elegance you want for your wedding.
When touring potential venues, make sure to ask about their specific pet policies. Do they have restrictions on pet size or breed? Will they provide a designated area for pets to relax during the event? It’s important to get all the details upfront to avoid any surprises.
We recently did a wedding at the Antrim 1844 that had two dogs, Romeo and Pacho in attendance. The dogs really had a great time and were loved by everyone!
2. Hire A Wedding Pet Attendant
Your wedding day is going to be busy, and you’ll want to focus on celebrating without worrying about your pet’s needs. Hiring a professional pet sitter or wedding pet attendant is a great solution. Look for local pet sitters in Carroll County, like us, who specialize in providing wedding pet attendant services. They can help manage your pet’s behavior, provide potty breaks, and ensure your furry guest stays happy throughout the day.
Pet sitters can also help with transportation if your pet won’t be staying at the venue overnight. Having a dedicated pet handler ensures that both you and your pet can enjoy the day stress-free.
3. Include Your Pet in the Ceremony and Photos
What’s better than having your beloved pet at your wedding? Making them a part of the ceremony! Whether it’s having your dog walk down the aisle as the ring bearer or wearing a cute bow tie or floral crown, there are endless ways to include them.
If you decide to involve your pet in the ceremony, practice makes perfect. Try a few “dress rehearsals” beforehand so they can get comfortable with their role. You can also incorporate your pet in your wedding photos. Carroll County’s outdoor locations offer stunning backdrops for pet-inclusive wedding photography. Consider scheduling your photo session at a local park like Piney Run Park or Hashawha Environmental Center, where your pet can feel at ease in a natural environment.
4. Plan for Your Pet’s Comfort
Weddings can be long and sometimes overwhelming for pets, especially with all the people and activity. It’s important to ensure your pet is comfortable throughout the day. Create a pet-friendly space at the venue where they can relax. This could be a quiet corner with their bed, some toys, and plenty of water.
Consider the time of year as well. Carroll County weather can be unpredictable, with hot summer days or chilly evenings. If your wedding is outdoors, make sure there’s shade available for your pet and that they won’t get too hot or cold. Also, don’t forget to pack some snacks and food for your pet, especially if the reception runs late.
If your pet has a tendency to get anxious around crowds, it may help to bring a calming collar or an item that reminds them of home, such as a favorite blanket or toy.
5. Alert Your Guests
It’s essential to inform your guests that your wedding will be pet-friendly, especially if your furry friend will be part of the ceremony or reception. Some guests may have allergies, and others may have young children who aren’t used to being around pets. Consider including a note in your wedding invitations or on your wedding website, letting guests know what to expect.
In addition, make sure that your pet will be comfortable with the guests, too. If your pet isn’t used to being around large groups of people, it may help to socialize them beforehand. Bringing them to smaller events or gatherings leading up to the big day can help them get accustomed to the noise and attention.
Final Thoughts
Planning a pet friendly wedding in Carroll County, Maryland, is a wonderful way to share your special day with the ones you love most—including your furry friends! With a bit of careful planning and consideration, you can create a beautiful, stress-free wedding that accommodates your pet while still giving you the day of your dreams.
